Timur Tutierov's first Sunderland goal was not enough to earn the victory the Black Cats deserved in Poland, as their wastefulness was punished in a 1-1 draw at lowly Lech Poznan.
The 21-year-old gave Sunderland the perfect start, scoring the fastest goal in this season's Europa League. He nodded home Nilson Angulo's cross barely a minute in, after Mateusz Lis' poor clearance was picked off. Tutierov spent last season on loan in League One with Exeter and was playing just his fourth game for Sunderland, having been fast-tracked into the first team following injuries to Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor.
After a brief response from the hosts and a couple of gilt-edged chances, Sunderland threatened to add to their lead and hit the post through Angulo. A host of chances came and went, and the visitors finished with 25 shots, 11 on target, but it was not enough. Lech had lost both opening league-phase games 4-0, but finally registered their first European goal this season when substitute Martin Bengtsson fired through a crowd of bodies from a corner with 20 minutes to go.
Sunderland pushed to restore their lead, and substitute Chris Rigg curled a 20-yard effort inches over the bar. They were made to pay for failing to make their dominance count, denied victory for the first time in their European campaign. They remain unbeaten in the Europa League, however, with seven points from three matches so far.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said the game was really open, adding that the team expected this atmosphere and style of play from their opponent.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing